Commuters tend to have unique needs when it comes to their vehicles due to the fact that, well, they’re always in them! From comfort to make the drive cozy to safety features designed to keep you confident and secure behind the wheel, the car you drive each and every day plays a big role in your life. In addition, you want a vehicle that offers a smooth ride and favorable efficiency because, let’s face it, the last thing your busy day needs is an unexpected trip to the gas station. For those who commute, two of the top options on the road are the Chevy Equinox and the Nissan Rogue, two compact SUVs that deliver ample space, desirable features, and stellar performance to any type of commute. So, when it comes to the 2022 Chevy Equinox vs 2022 Nissan Rogue, which SUV delivers the better all-around ride for the average commuter?
The Cabin Experience
To begin, we’re taking a close look at the interior of each vehicle because this is the place you’re going to be spending the most time during your drive. You want a vehicle that offers enough room to get comfortable, as well as features designed to make that boring trip to work more exciting. Some commuters have an hour-long commute or more to and from work, and the last thing you want is to be uncomfortable for its duration. This is where the 2022 Equinox really impresses, with an interior that offers ample room, both for you and any gear traveling along with you. Multiple seating configurations come to the rescue to handle more materials for work or travel, including folding 60/40 split-bench seats in the second row with 63.9 cu.ft. of cargo space at the ready to accommodate your belongings.
All of this configurable space really comes in handy, especially since many commuters typically travel alone and thus would rather utilize this space for gear and materials. In addition to being exceptionally versatile, the Equinox is incredibly stylish, offering a cabin experience that is one of the best around. From an available 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat to heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, refined elegance awaits to make any drive more appealing. Getting comfortable on the road is imperative for commuters, and having these cozy elements on board makes it simple to sink into the Equinox’s comfortable seats and enjoy the ride.
The Nissan Rogue, although enjoyably roomy, can be a disappointment, especially for those who can’t afford a pricy high-level trim. You’re able to enjoy ample cargo space and flexible seating arrangements; however, base models only feature the bare necessities, which often means a less comfortable commute. Genuine leather appointments, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel can only be enjoyed in more expensive trims, and the Rogue isn’t wowing us with its cabin experience. With a starting price that’s higher than the Equinox, you’d think that you’d be able to enjoy more comfort inside.
Driving Dynamics
Another important aspect to take into consideration is the ride quality of each vehicle. Whether you’re frequently navigating packed city streets or open expanses of the highway, you don’t want to feel every bump along the way. You want a vehicle that will offer you a smooth experience, no matter the road condition, especially if you’re in your vehicle for hours each day. The Equinox is armed with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and 6-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth shifting and enough power to enjoy the ride. Easy to handle and maneuver through traffic, the Equinox is perfect for drivers who don’t want to worry about whether or not their vehicle can handle the twists and turns of the road ahead.
Its engine allows the Equinox to provide drivers with a ride that’s certainly not boring, as well as stellar efficiency, able to get up to 31 MPG on the highway. The Equinox is easy to drive and perfect for the everyday driver, and with switchable all-wheel drive capabilities available, traveling in inclement weather is easier, knowing that your vehicle can handle the elements with control. Even if your commute is just down the street, when the weather isn’t cooperating, it can make that minutes-long drive feel like hours, but not with the Equinox and the performance and capabilities it brings to your travels.
You’ll find a similar turbocharged engine in the 2022 Rogue, which is paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission, so you would expect a better ride out of this vehicle. On the contrary, the Rogue is a bit boring when it comes to its handling. Although more exciting when it comes to acceleration and power compared to models of its past, commuters are looking for vehicles that are easy to maneuver and responsive, because you never know what’s going to happen during your daily drive. On the plus side, like the Equinox, the Rogue achieves pleasing fuel efficiency ratings; however, it’s a shame it’s not more enjoyable to drive.
Tech & Safety to Make Your Commute Better
In addition to a comfortable cabin and a smooth ride, your commuter vehicle must also offer features to make the ride more entertaining, especially while you’re stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic. You’ll find that the Chevy Equinox is loaded up with many tech features designed to make your travels more connected and fun. From standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to a WiFi Hotspot and available Alexa Built-In, having access to all of your must-have tech is easy inside this well-equipped SUV. Stay productive, even from the road, by being able to join conference calls, add items to your to-do list, and much more.
You’ll also be able to have the assurance you need in knowing that your vehicle is watching out for you with standard Chevy Safety Assist. Features like Lane Keep Assist allow you to remain securely in your lane during those long highway drives into work, while available rear park assist helps you fit into that snug parking space outside the office. No matter what you’re navigating during your everyday drive, trust that the Equinox can handle it.
Like the Equinox, the 2022 Rogue also showcases a nice variety of tech designed to make the drive more appealing. With an available wireless charging pad and Bose audio system, staying entertained during your commute is easy inside the Rogue. It, too, comes with plenty of safety and assistance features to help you stay safe and confident on the road. Both vehicles showcase ample tech and safety, which makes them desirable options for the average commuter.
2022 Chevy Equinox vs 2022 Nissan Rogue: Which Should You Choose?
Although both vehicles offer a lot to commuters everywhere, the 2022 Chevy Equinox stands out. Its smooth ride, marked by comfortable appointments and plenty of space inside, makes it easy for commuters to travel in a vehicle that satisfies all of their needs. Unfortunately for the Rogue, drivers are only able to enjoy comfortable appointments in more expensive trims, and with a higher sticker price, even for its base models, you’ll end up spending much more to enjoy these features than you would in the Equinox. Its handling isn’t as responsive as the Equinox either, which can really impact the overall feel of the ride. Commuters, you’re looking for comfort, flexibility, quality, and dependability in your everyday vehicle, and when your ride is on the line, rest assured that the Equinox can handle it with a finesse that can only come from a Chevy.
